“Double down,” says Liz Truss, and Ben Wallace is clearly at the falconry end of the controversy. They say Russia must be completely pushed away from Ukraine. Including Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014 in a move that is not internationally recognized. Even if the Defense Minister admits, there is still a long way to go for Ukraine to recover Crimea. Supporters will say that power and disobedience are the only languages Vladimir Putin will hear. Ms Truss says Putin is a “desperate rogue operator who has no interest in international rules”. “Reliable information” Russia executes Ukrainians trying to surrender – Live Ukrainian news He wants Ukraine to be equipped with heavy weapons to secure its victory. Image: British Foreign Secretary Liz Tras wants Ukraine to be supplied with heavy weapons The same day, the Russian leader warned against other countries interfering in the conflict, threatening retaliation that would be “lightning fast”. “We will use them if necessary,” he said, “and I want everyone to know.” The implication with thin coverage is that Russia has more aces to play. Mr Putin has already threatened to use nuclear weapons. But Ms Trus is in no mood to give the Russians a quarter. “It’s time for courage, not attention,” he says. Critics question whether it is smart diplomacy. Read more: Allies must “double” with heavy weapons and air power, says foreign minister Some analysts believe that Putin should be given a ladder to save face, not further inflammatory rhetoric to justify the continuation of the war. Harsh comment from Western politicians who say it will help its media mouthpieces advance NATO’s line to destroy Russia. But that means he wants a way out. Defeat is not an option for Mr Putin. It will weaken him politically and potentially fatally. There is nothing that can be described as a victory so far, unless he plants a flag in the ruins of Mariupol and calls it a triumph. Read more: Ben Wallace backs Liz Truss, says Russia should be pushed out of “all of Ukraine” – including Crimea But the alternative is a long war of attrition. Military experts say this could take months, Ms. Trus says. It would require a general mobilization given the losses of Russian troops so far. For that to happen, Putin must almost certainly declare war on the “special military operation” that he says is at war. This trail is potentially dangerous given the potential huge life loss. It will be a huge gamble for the Russian president and Western politicians are doing everything they can to prevent him from taking it.
